Stefan Andersson, Polem: “We could do with being a bit less modest every now and then”
You rarely hear from them, these Frisian entrepreneurs. They work quietly on solutions that are quietly making their way across the globe. Without self-congratulation or boasting, without too much fanfare, and far from the public eye. But if it were up to Stefan Andersson, managing director of Polem in Lemmer, it’s time to make some noise. To join forces and show our pride. “That’s the only way we’ll find the skilled professionals we need to keep innovating. And WRK.frl/ is a great starting point for that.”
From a farmers’ cooperative to a European market leader
Anyone taking a stroll along Lemster beach on a sunny day is bound to spot Polem’s imposing industrial buildings. It’s a name that has made quite a splash over the past fifty years and has deep roots in Lemster’s business community. “The company started in the 1970s as a cooperative for farmers,” explains Stefan. “Polem developed storage silos for things like feed or manure.” Not long after, the business expanded into the food and chemical industries. “Soft drinks, sauces, dairy products, salt and brine. But also complex, hazardous products – we take care of the storage.”
Composite: the material of the future
Polem has long since expanded beyond the borders of the Netherlands. In fact, almost half of its turnover comes from the export of composite storage solutions. It’s a material that is quietly attracting increasing attention. “You see it in the wind turbine industry, for example. They’re currently experimenting extensively with composites there,” says Stefan. “It’s such a wonderful product. Much stronger than traditional materials such as concrete, steel or aluminium. And just as importantly: it has much lower CO₂ emissions and is recyclable. Many companies are not yet aware of the opportunities that composite offers. That penny has yet to drop.”
Demand for technical expertise
Among customers, but also among young people just starting out. “We do everything in-house. Design, engineering, production and transport. That requires technical knowledge and craftsmanship.” And that, as it happens, is one of the biggest challenges these days. “Finding vocational students for production is a particular challenge,” nods Stefan. “They think it’s monotonous work, not exciting enough, not challenging. It’s only when they really get to know our products that they discover how complex the technology behind them is. And that there are still so many development opportunities with composites. But first you have to get them to that point.”
Friesland at the forefront of people’s minds
If it were up to Stefan, there’s only one thing for it: joining forces. “We’re all drawing from the same well. So why not make that well bigger?” According to Stefan, many young Frisians move to Groningen, Delft or Amsterdam to study. It’s only later in life, when they start a family or need more space, that they return. “But by then, you’ve lost them for ten years. Let’s work together to see how we can ensure that Friesland stays top of mind. And let’s make it clear that there are actually plenty of opportunities here for a great career.”
“There are so many hidden gems here”
What does that take? “Openness,” says Stefan. “If employers know one another and share their needs, we can work together to fill the gaps.” According to Stefan, WRK.frl/ is just such a meeting place. It’s for jobseekers to find potential employers, but just as much for employers to connect with one another. “What’s more, WRK.frl/ can help us put Friesland on the map. “Because we can certainly afford to be a little less modest now and then. There are so many beautiful hidden gems here. They need to be seen!”
Polem’s company profile is now available online at WRK.frl/. Fancy finding out more about Lemmer’s gem? Read more here: Polem B.V. - WRK.frl/.
